Briar Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationBRY-er / /ˈbraɪ.ər/English; Old English
Meaning
English: thorny bush; Old English: briar rose
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Briar is derived from the Old English word for a thorny bush. It has been used as a given name in English-speaking countries, particularly in the 20th and 21st centuries. The name is often associated with nature and has a rustic charm. It gained popularity as a unisex name, though it is more commonly used for girls.
Trend Summary
Briar has seen a gradual increase in popularity as a given name in recent years.
Similar Names
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Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Briar was first seen in the United States in 1971. Briar has ranked as high as #977 nationally, which occurred in 2023, and has been most popular in Texas, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Briar has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Briar (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 28 | |
| FL | 19 | |
| TN | 19 | |
| LA | 17 | |
| GA | 17 | |
| NC | 17 | |
| MO | 16 | |
| OH | 15 | |
| MI | 15 | |
| KY | 15 | |
| IN | 14 | |
| PA | 13 | |
| IL | 13 | |
| AL | 13 | |
| VA | 12 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1971 | 5 |
| 1973 | 5 |
| 1975 | 8 |
| 1976 | 6 |
| 1977 | 7 |
| 1980 | 5 |
| 1982 | 5 |
| 1990 | 43 |
| 1991 | 92 |
| 1992 | 59 |
| 1993 | 54 |
| 1994 | 81 |
| 1995 | 105 |
| 1996 | 83 |
| 1997 | 72 |
| 1998 | 59 |
| 1999 | 68 |
| 2000 | 101 |
| 2001 | 107 |
| 2002 | 101 |
| 2003 | 132 |
| 2004 | 125 |
| 2005 | 117 |
| 2006 | 132 |
| 2007 | 139 |
| 2008 | 152 |
| 2009 | 138 |
| 2010 | 173 |
| 2011 | 172 |
| 2012 | 189 |
| 2013 | 161 |
| 2014 | 203 |
| 2015 | 203 |
| 2016 | 202 |
| 2017 | 244 |
| 2018 | 278 |
| 2019 | 302 |
| 2020 | 318 |
| 2021 | 364 |
| 2022 | 347 |
| 2023 | 405 |
| 2024 | 386 |